15 Print-on-Demand Statistics (Stats)
In the ecommerce and print-on-demand world, strength shines through even amidst the chaos of the 2020s, with 2024 marking a peak for the industry.
This blog post holds the latest industry data, trends, and predictions for print-on-demand. Utilize this vital information for business growth and marketing strategies in the current year. Check out the key topics below:
- Print-on-demand statistics and industry market growth trends
- Trending print-on-demand products and categories
- Trends from successful print-on-demand businesses
- Ecommerce platform trends
Excited? Let’s get started!
1. The print-on-demand industry experiences a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.3%
The print-on-demand market size is projected to soar over the next decade. By 2022, the global print-on-demand market reached a milestone of $5.397 billion. Predictions point to a value of $39.035 billion by 2031, reflecting a CAGR of around 25.3%.
Print-on-demand market size, compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the past, and the forecast until 2031. Source: Straits Research
63% of print-on-demand (POD) customers prefer this fulfillment model due to its environmental benefits. Unlike traditional manufacturing and other dropshipping models, POD minimizes production costs and waste by creating products only after purchase.
2. The US stands as the largest market for print-on-demand
North America leads in print-on-demand, with the US hosting top companies like Printful and Zazzle. The region also houses facilities for companies like Redbubble and Gelato, with 75.8% of the world’s leading POD businesses originating from the US.
Source: Dropshipping.com
While North America dominates globally, the Asia Pacific region shows growth potential, expected to reach a CAGR of 27.9% between 2020 and 2030 in the print-on-demand market.
3. The POD market is driven by increasing demand for custom and unique products
Personalization is now an expected feature for many consumers (36%), with 48% willing to wait longer for customized items.
Source: Printful
Print-on-demand meets the demand for personalized products profitably, thanks to its on-demand production without minimum orders.
4. 25% of consumers are more likely to invest in sustainable products
Among millennials, this percentage jumps to 73%. The popularity of print-on-demand is propelled by the demand for eco-friendly options and sustainability, providing a sustainable alternative to fast fashion through on-demand production.
Source: Printful
5. The eco-friendly clothing industry aims for $10.1 billion in global annual sales by 2025
The sustainable fashion market, valued at $6.5 billion, is set to nearly double by the end of the year. Despite a focus on women, men aged 25–34 show the strongest inclination towards sustainable fashion, providing brands an opportunity to cater to this segment.
6. Monthly searches for “print-on-demand” average 132.7K
Source: Semrush
Every month, “print on demand” receives 132,700 searches globally, with a search volume of 33,100 in the US.
7. Top trending print-on-demand categories include apparel, home decor, drinkware, and accessories
Annually, apparel consistently leads in top-selling print-on-demand categories. Sellers can quickly adopt high-fashion trends affordably due to the on-demand production capability.
8. T-shirts, sportswear, and leggings are the top trending apparel print-on-demand products
The timeless t-shirt is among the print-on-demand fashion industry royalty. T-shirt printing marked the genesis for many print-on-demand suppliers, including Printful. Digital t-shirt printing remains a top choice even as the industry expands to encompass various techniques and products.
Check out: 12 T-Shirt Design Trends for 2024
The popularity of laid-back, comfortable styles is evident in trending products like leggings, sportswear, and custom hoodies.
Source: Printful
Denim jackets are also seeing a surge in customer interest, providing online sellers with the opportunity to price jackets in the premium segment.
When it comes to pricing, what profit margin should you aim for in 2024?
9. The average print-on-demand product profit margin is 20%
Many online sellers have found 20% to be a successful profit margin. This figure strikes a balance between selling products at a competitive price and maintaining profitability to sustain operations and occasional discounts.
However, certain niches and products have allowed sellers to achieve profit margins as high as 60%!
10. Around the globe, there are approximately 228K print-on-demand stores in operation presently
About 5% of all online retail stores are supported by print-on-demand. It’s likely that your home contains items created using print-on-demand services.
11. The average success rate for businesses engaged in print-on-demand stands at 24%
Research from Dropshipping.com reveals that 24% of print-on-demand stores remain active in the long term. Intense competition in the industry may contribute to this statistic.
In summary, starting a print-on-demand business is accessible to newcomers and experts alike. However, the low entry barrier results in a crowded market. Success hinges on differentiation through niche market focus, exceptional product design, and effective marketing strategies.